Senegal to face punishment after ‘shameful’ walk-off protest in AFCON final

Senegal could face punishment after a “shameful” walk-off protest when a penalty was awarded against them before returning to beat hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday.

The final in Rabat descended into chaos deep into stoppage, when Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala gave the penalty after he was advised by video assistant referee (VAR) to review El Hadji Malick Diouf's challenge on Brahim Diaz.

Officials and players jostled with each other while the referee consulted the touchline screen.

After a review, it was found that Diaz had been tugged to the ground by Senegal full-back Malick Diouf while defending a corner kick five minutes into stoppage time.

Senegal’s coach, Pape Thiaw, who was unhappy when their opening goal was disallowed for a soft foul on Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi earlier, was furious after the penalty was awarded and stormed off the pitch alongside the majority of the team players, leading to a delay of 14 minutes.

Talisman Sadio Mane persuaded Senegal’s players to return, and the match resumed.

Once the players returned to the field, Diaz inexplicably tried a Panenka-style chip, and his soft penalty effort sailed tamely into the arms of Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

The match then went into extra-time, where midfielder Pape Gueye scored a winner in the fourth minute, to help Senegal clinch their second Africa Cup of Nations title in four years.

Senegal’s actions will be seen as a major blight on an otherwise successful tournament, although defeat continues Morocco’s poor record in the tournament, which they only previously won 50 years ago.

In his post-match news conference, Morocco coach Walid Regragui called Senegal's actions "shameful" and said they do not "honour Africa".

Following the match, Thiaw later apologised for his actions, but Senegal could now face punishment as FIFA president Gianni Infantino also strongly condemned the "ugly scenes" in a post on Instagram.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF), in a statement, said that it was reviewing footage and that action would be taken against those found guilty, adding that it "condemns the unacceptable behaviour from some players and officials".

"CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty," CAF said in a statement on Monday.